Neritina snails (Neritina)

Aquarium enthusiasts frequently choose Neritina snails, also referred to as Nerite snails. In addition to being visually pleasing, these tiny, pretty snails are essential for maintaining the cleanliness of your tank because they consume algae.

Neritina snails are a decorative addition to any aquarium because of their distinctive, frequently colorful shell patterns. They are calm animals that get along well with other tank residents, which makes them a fantastic addition for novice and seasoned aquarists alike.

Although they are simple to care for, these snails require certain things in order to survive. By giving your Neritina snails the best habitat possible, you can ensure their continued health and activity. This requires an understanding of their preferences for habitat, food, and behavior.

Behavior and compatibility

Because they are such calm animals, neritina snails won’t bother the other aquarium occupants. Keep them with peaceful tankmates like corydoras, small tetras, and rasboras that won’t eat them. Additionally, they can coexist with invertebrates of comparable size, like dwarf shrimp and snails. They shouldn’t be housed with hostile fish like Tetradon or Botia, though, as they might try to eat them.

Nitrite snails are great at eating algae, which makes them perfect for shielding aquarium walls and decorations from unsightly growths. This is one of their many benefits for aquascaping. They also contribute to the cleanliness and clarity of the water by feeding on trash and leftover food. They are a wonderful asset to any aquarium community due to their serene and tranquil nature.

Aquarium

Might attempt to flee the aquarium. They can survive for a while without water and are thought to be intertidal snails. Just gather them up and return them to the aquarium; unless they have been exposed to a prolonged period of dryness, they should survive. It is thought that a snail will try to get away if it is uncomfortable. A lid that fits snugly is essential.

Neritine snails are extremely hardy and can live in a wide range of water parameters:

If the aquarium’s water has a pH of less than 7 and a GH of more than 5°, the snail’s shell will dissolve and it will perish.

They will be killed by the copper in the water!

Nutrition

It is advised that you add spirulina plates, blanched vegetables, or other comparable foods to the diet, as Neritina cannot survive on aquarium algae alone. Due to its size, this species cannot effectively consume algae from plants with small leaves because of its weight.

Sexual Dimorphism

Nerites are not hermaphrodites like some other snail species. Each sex is distinct in them.

The issue is that there are no outward indicators that allow one to differentiate between males and females. That’s why nobody knows how to do it using just their eyes.

Breeding

The nearly microscopic larvae of these snails are notoriously hard to feed and require brackish or salt water to hatch, making breeding them an extremely challenging task. Using sea salt and an air stone with a very low flow, some hobbyists who have documented their experiences suggest setting up a mature brackish or seawater aquarium filled with algae.

To make sure you have at least one male and one female, try to gather a group of six or more people, as it can be challenging to tell their sex from a picture.

Some people have adult snails lay eggs in a brackish breeding tank after allowing them to gradually acclimate to brackish water. On driftwood in fresh or brackish water, some adults allow snails to lay their eggs. After that, they move the driftwood to a breeding tank that is completely saltwater. It’s interesting to note that the hard, white "sesame seeds" that nerite snails deposit are actually egg capsules, with several dozen eggs within each.

The lairs can take several days to several weeks to hatch, depending on the temperature of the surrounding water. Give them spirulina powder, algae, infusoria, green water, and powdered fry food. You can start gradually acclimating the larvae to fresh water once they become tiny snails with visible shells. To do this, remove a small amount of salt water and replace it with fresh water that is rich in minerals over the course of one to two months.

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Characteristic Description
Scientific Name Neritina
Common Name Neritina snails
Size Up to 3 cm
Lifespan 1-2 years
Diet Algae, biofilm
Tank Size Minimum 10 liters
Water Conditions pH 7.5-8.5, temperature 22-28°C

With their exquisite shells and superior algae-eating skills, neritina snails are an excellent addition to any aquarium. Aquarists of all skill levels will find them both attractive and useful as they naturally aid in maintaining the cleanliness of your tank.

These snails require little maintenance and are easy to care for. They will flourish if you just give them clean, well-oxygenated water. They are excellent choices for community tanks because they are calm animals that get along with most fish.

Neritina snails are a fantastic way to improve the overall aesthetics and health of your aquarium. Their low maintenance requirements and ability to prevent algae growth make them a well-liked option for fishkeepers. These snails will add life and balance to your aquarium, regardless of your level of experience.

Because they consume algae and thus keep aquariums clean, neritina snails are a popular choice for aquariums as well as visually pleasing additions. They add visual interest to your aquarium and are peaceful, low maintenance, and available in a variety of stunning shell patterns. These snails are an excellent option for both novice and seasoned aquarium keepers, providing a safe and environmentally friendly way to control algae without endangering plants or other tank occupants.

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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